An NPR correspondent who attended the press conference tweeted Ded Moroz’s announcement. It will have surely brought relief to the 23 candidates who have already announced their candidacies in next year’s presidential elections, which were formally set today for March 18.

Breaking from Moscow: At annual press conference, Father Frost says he won’t run for president, has good relations with Santa Claus, wishes Americans Merry Christmas. pic.twitter.com/vyCxLwCqk5